Significant number of Afghan refugees in hotels a year on from evacuation

Many Afghan refugees in London are still living in hotels a year on from their evacuation due to a severe shortage of long-term housing.  

10,500 Afghan refugees are thought to be living in hotels across the UK, with a fifth based in London.

With resources also going to Ukrainians and other refugees arriving in the capital, local government association London Councils has warned local services are under pressure.

‘We know too many Afghan evacuees are still living in hotels,’ said Cllr Claire Holland, London Councils’ Executive Member for Communities. ‘It’s an unsustainable situation, especially for the many families with children we’re supporting.

‘Boroughs are very concerned by the lack of alternative housing options for these families – a particular challenge in the capital due to the chronic shortage of affordable housing here. London is already dealing with the most severe housing pressures and highest homelessness rates in the country.

‘Many Afghan evacuees will continue relying on local services for the foreseeable future. Considering the support boroughs are also providing Ukrainian arrivals and other refugees, there are worries about the on-going impact on local resources. We will keep working closely with the government on these issues and will do everything we can to ensure the resettlement programmes succeed.’

The cross-party group also highlighted a lot of the local support and resettlement activities organised since Operation Pitting, including enrolling Afghan children into schools, arranging translation services and co-ordinating health and care provision.

London faces disproportionate pressures on support services for refugees and asylum-seekers, with approximately 30% of asylum-seeking children in the UK based in the city.

The capital is also experiencing a severe shortage of affordable housing – London Councils estimates 150,000 Londoners are homeless and living in temporary accommodation, while 300,000 are on social housing waiting lists.

Minister for Refugees Lord Harrington has called on councils to house Afghan refugees, with more than 500 four-bed homes required to accommodate larger families.

Photo by Tony Yakovlenko